It is with great pleasure and sincere humility that I offer warm greetings to the students, parents, teachers and staff, and community members of Leander ISD!

Although I've been on the job as superintendent of schools for just a few days, I can already see that LISD is focused on student learning. This is a great community built on support, trust and transparency. I am honored to be here, serve you and lead LISD to a bright future.

If you are interested in learning more about my background and immediate goals as the new leader for LISD, in the coming days, my superintendent entry plan will be posted on the district website. I encourage you to review this document and read how I plan to acquaint myself with the LISD community.

I want the community to know that my first 100 days as superintendent of schools for LISD will focus on three things: listening, learning and building relationships with students, parents, teachers and staff, and community members. My superintendent entry plan explores these ideas in greater detail.

In order to listen, learn and build relationships over the course of the coming weeks and months, I want to be visible in the schools and the community. I want to attend school and community events and meet as many people I can. This ties into my passion for supporting students when they perform - whether it is in the classroom, at an athletics competition, a fine arts performance, a student club, or at an organization event. I enjoy watching our students give their all in school activities. So, I'm excited to get out in the community, attend as many student events as I can and meet residents of LISD.

Additionally, I've planned several meet-and-greet events that will be hosted throughout the district and community. These are designed for me to meet more parents, community members and business leaders. LISD will advertise these events as they are scheduled.

Of course, visiting LISD's campuses is one of my highest priorities. I've already stopped by several during my first few days. During these campus visits, I want to meet our staff and see learning in action. I know that the district has strong systems and programs in place to meet the needs of all students, and I want to see these systems and programs take shape in classrooms. I'm excited to learn more about how LISD prepares our students for academic success.

I'd like to thank the district's Board of Trustees - President Will Streit, Vice President Pamela Waggoner, Secretary Grace S. Barber-Jordan, M.Ed., Trish Bode, Russell Bundy, Don Hisle and Aaron Johnson - for granting me this opportunity to serve LISD as superintendent. I look forward to building strong relationships with our Board and to working with them to improve the learning opportunities for all students.

LISD is the premier destination district in Central Texas. It is a special place because there's something for every child, and everyone has a place to belong. I'm honored to be a member of the LISD family.